 | If your home has a foyer, vestibule or some sort of entrance area, you can use your entrance as an opportunity to set a mood for your home the moment someone walks through the door. Whether your entrance is small or large, open or enclosed, wide or narrow, you can create an intriguing "welcome" for your guests by using a little creativity and just a few "artsy" items.
Selecting Furniture for Your Entrance
The entrance of your home makes a lasting impression while also giving visitors a glimpse of what to expect while visiting your home. You should choose the most dramatic decor items for the entrance since it is there solely to make an impact, not necessarily to provide comfort.
Some furniture pieces you might consider for the entrance include a medium-sized oval or round table, a fancy antique chair, or a chair that resembles a work of art. Keep in mind that this will not be a living area, so the chair doesn't have to be comfortable!
For a large entrance area, an antique loveseat with velvet seats and brass trim might do the trick. If you're an art fan, a dramatic sculpture can be placed at the entrance near a large plant.
Antique style desks, benches or commodes with unusual carved designs are also great for creating a captivating entrance decor, such as a Dickens style desk, a mahogany wood commode or an elegant Continental bench. You might already have the perfect piece for your entrance stored away in your attic. With a little polishing or refurbishing, old furniture pieces can be quickly become extravagant decor items.
Accessories for Entrance Decor
If you have a table in your entrance, you can decorate it with a dramatic table runner made of lace or unique pattern designs, a gorgeous Victorian, tiffany or candle lamp, an unusual vase with fresh or silk flowers, a book with a fancy cover or an old photo in a very nice frame. You can use your imagination to create the look and feel for your entrance table. Make it inviting, but also decorative.
Portraits or framed wall paintings can be used to adorn the walls of your entrance while portraying an image to your guests.
Practical accessories such as a coat rack, key holder, etc. may also fit well with your decor. Your entrance is a place where your family comes in and out throughout the day and can be practical as well as decorative. Try to avoid clutter, but never hesitate to make your entrance useful.
Color Coordination for Your Entrance
The colors of your entrance should be soothing, warm and friendly. Beige or mauve pastels create a comforting atmosphere while also blending with almost any decor. Keep the colors neutral just in case you want to change your entrance decor occasionally.
If you're thinking of replacing the flooring or carpet for your entrance, consider hardwood flooring or linoleum that gives the appearance of hardwood. If your entrance is carpeted, you can use a nice oriental rug that blends well with your decor and color scheme.
Entrance Lighting
Sufficient lighting should be provided in your entrance, but it doesn't have to bright or blinding. A soft lamp can be used if you don't have overhead lighting. If you're going to use overhead lighting, illuminate your entrance with a fascinating chandelier.
Occasional Changes to Your Entrance Decor
If you get bored with the same old look quickly, place some items in your entrance that can quickly change its look and feel. For example, you might have several lamps you can change out occasionally. If you use a cloth or runner to decorate your entrance table, you can switch several of these around. Flowers or plants can also be rotated without a lot of expense. If you have a loveseat, several throw rugs can be rotated. Changing just a few of the simplest items can create a whole new look for your entrance.
Creating an elegant, but warm and friendly entrance enables you to give your guests a lasting first impression. You can establish a certain mood for your entire home with the entrance.
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